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10 Best Sedans Under $25,000

2010 MINI Cooper

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2012 MINI Cooper

Overview

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2010 MINI Cooper Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

After a successful makeover in 2007, the MINI Cooper and Cooper S continue to surf a wave of strong sales, selling in numbers far exceeding parent company BMW's expectations. Hallmarks of the two-door four-seat hatchback's design include sporty handling, distinctive styling and more interior space than its small exterior dimensions might imply. The popularity of MINI has helped to expand America's acceptance of small cars and in many ways defined the premium small car market. Competitors to the MINI are varied and include the Volkswagen GTI, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Mazda Miata MX-5 and Audi A3.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you want high style and high performance in a small package, the 2010 MINI Cooper is for you. It combines excellent handling and charming looks with a remarkable level of options available from the factory. Drivers who crave uniqueness will love the ability to tailor their MINIs to match their tastes.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you regularly travel with more than one passenger or need lots of cargo space, the larger MINI Clubman wagon may be a better choice. Despite excellent use of the available space, it is still a very small car. Also, the MINI's ride may be too jarring for those more interested in comfort than performance.

What's New for 2010

For 2010, the MINI Cooper gets a multi-function steering wheel with cruise control.

Driving the Cooper

Driving Impressions Its light, easy-to-use clutch, responsive steering and quick-shifting transmission make commuting in the 2010 MINI a blast. In Cooper trim, the MINI has adequate acceleration but needs to be shifted...

down a gear or two to maintain speed when driving uphill on the freeway. The Cooper S comes equipped with a turbocharged engine that provides ample power with virtually no lag. Peak torque is available from 1600 to 5000 rpm, resulting in quick and worry-free merging or passing maneuvers. An interesting feature is a standard Sport button which quickens throttle response, increases steering effort and speeds up shifts in MINIs equipped with automatic transmissions. The result is a car that's easy and livable during daily drives, yet with all the sporting flair you'd want available at the touch of a button.

Favorite Features

Sport Button
The Sport Button is a wonderful solution that allows MINI drivers to live a double life. During daily commutes steering and throttle reactions are relaxed, making time behind the wheel less fatiguing. Push the Sport Button and the MINI transforms into a fun and focused driving machine.

Panoramic Sunroof
The optional sunroof covers both the front and rear passengers, adding a sense of spaciousness to the interior. Only the front portion of the sunroof opens but, with the front section in the vent position, the rear section also tilts up to let rear-seat passengers enjoy the breeze.

2010 MINI Cooper Details

Interior

The MINI Cooper's interior is truly one-of-a-kind, with backlit armrests in the doors, handsomely sewn seats and a bold dash featuring a huge center-mounted speedometer. For such a small car the MINI makes the most of its available interior space. Those riding in the front seats enjoy excellent head and legroom. However, rear passengers may feel cramped with tight shoulder space nearly non-existent legroom. The dash panel is stylish, but the layout can be confusing and, though the knobs and switches look good, their similarity and positions make them somewhat difficult to operate. Like the rest of the MINI, the interior can be customized to suit the buyer's taste with a variety of dash trim colors, seat materials and metal, wood or carbon-fiber accents.

Exterior

This second-generation new MINI Cooper's body looks similar to that of the first generation new MINI, but includes a number of changes, including headlamps mounted to the body instead of the hood, rear side glass that no longer wraps around the C-pillar, a simpler front bumper design and a taller hood to accommodate new European pedestrian crash standards. Despite the changes, the latest Cooper retains all of the key MINI design cues, including a contrasting roof and side mirrors, large round headlamps and bulging black fender trim. A wide range of exterior colors is available, including the choice of black, white or body-color roof paint. Further, the MINI can be equipped with options like hood and roof stripes, aero kits, wheel and tire packages and a chrome package.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2010 MINI Cooper's standard equipment includes a push-button engine stop/start, AM/FM/CD stereo with six speakers and MP3 capability, air conditioning, six-speed manual transmission, color-adjustable interior lighting, tilt/telescoping steering wheel and power windows and mirrors. Standard safety features include Dynamic Stability Control, anti-lock brakes (ABS), tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and six airbags.

Optional Equipment

The MINI Cooper and Cooper S can be outfitted with numerous options. Although most are available as stand-alone additions, MINI combines many of its popular options into packages. The Premium Package includes Harman/Kardon audio, power glass panoramic sunroof and automatic air conditioning. The Convenience Package includes universal garage remote, Bluetooth connectivity, rain sensing wipers, automatic headlamps and center arm rest. Also available are Sport and Cold Weather Package. In addition to the options available from the factory, MINI offers a wide range of dealer-installed accessories for customers to further customize their cars. Also available is the John Cooper Works performance package, which significantly improves horsepower, suspension tuning and braking, and the Camden and Mayfair commemorative packages.

Under the Hood

The 2010 MINI Cooper and Cooper S both have 1.6-liter in-line four-cylinder engines. Power in the Cooper is acceptable, but the turbocharged Cooper S engine is a powerhouse, with 177 pound-feet of maximum continuous torque from 1600 to 5000 rpm, and an "overboost" feature that temporarily increases engine torque to 191 pound-feet for extra bursts of acceleration. An easy-shifting six-speed manual transmission – or the optional automatic – allow either engine to operate in its ideal rpm range, maximizing performance and efficiency.

1.6-liter in-line 4
118 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
114 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 28/37 (manual), 25/33 (automatic)

1.6-liter in-line 4 turbocharged
172 horsepower @ 5500 rpm
177 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1600-5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/34 (manual), 24/32 (automatic)

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2010 MINI Cooper Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.5

Out of 10

Based on 236 Ratings for the 2007 - 2012 MINI Cooper models.

Review this car

Value

8.7/10

Quality

8.7/10
Reliability

8.7/10

Performance

9.2/10
Comfort

8.4/10

Styling

9.1/10

Bought used

By Dave (TX) on Wednesday, April 18, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 78,800

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 6/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Great price for a used vehicle"

Cons: "Requires min 91 octane gas"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"Bought this Mini S with 65K after first month check engine light came on, took it in and they replaced wastegate solenoid, there was a broken part on panoramic sun roof, no parts available, they had to replace the entire sunroof assembly. Recall for electric water pump, another check engine light determined the turbo was bad and needed replacement. After this latesat fix I never knew this car had such get up and go. Overall experience favorable HWY MPG 32-34 CITY MPG 29-30. Recommend extended warranty if available. I purchased because I was commuting 140 miles a day for work."

12 people out of 13 found this review helpful

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Love My MINI

By Spunk on Sunday, April 01, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 50,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I am a young professional and I absolutely love my MINI. The quality and comfort are top notch. When I was shopping around for new vehicles, I was looking for something comfortable yet sporty with great gas milage. I have a 90 mile commute every day and the MINI was the best choice for me!"

6 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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see all 236 reviews